Must-See Lakes In Greece

In a country surrounded by sea, with beautiful beaches on a lacy shoreline, with thousands of islands adorning its seas, one would think that the lakes would not attract much attention. And yet, that’s not the case. Particularly in the mountainous or semi-mountainous regions of Greece, even a seasonal pool of water makes us feel beautiful as it complements the landscape. Sometimes travellers might find exciting the fact that the locals embrace these landscapes with fairy tales that pass from generation to generation, making them even more appealing.

Impressive mirrors of natural beauty, the lakes of Greece reflect in their waters the breathtaking gorgeousness of the Greek landscape. It is no coincidence that due to this extraordinary beauty that characterizes them, they have always played an important role both in the lives of people and in the lives of the gods of Greek mythology. Closely linked to the human element and the development of the cities and the surrounding areas, the Greek lakes enchant their visitors. Greece might be small in size, but its lakes, their beauty and the stories that surround them add to their unique nature.

Natural or artificial lakes lie well hidden in the green lush landscapes of Greece among the mountains. As unique natural landscapes, they are the ideal destination for nature lovers, climbers, hikers, travellers etc from all over the world. Their volume and their blue waters are of vital importance to the region. The Greeks lakes reflect the most beautiful alpine side of the Mediterranean. There are some cases of artificial lakes that host remarkable important wetlands internationally. Hidden in forests, mountain peaks, even in caves, each one has its own signature on the horizon. All of them, however, impress with their tranquil beauty and their turquoise blue-green waters. We have distinguished some of them and we’d like to present them to you. Keep reading…

Lake Plastira
Beautiful and imposing, Agraph’s beautiful lake, hosts thousands of visitors around its banks. Most of them choose the region for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend, while others choose it for even longer periods of time. Some even like to spend a week or two surrounded by nature! A unique natural landscape, with lush vegetation and plenty of variations depending on the season, charms nature lovers, climbers, hikers and travellers. While the sky lends its colour to the mirror waters of the lake, the scattered islands and fjords are also a great touch of special beauty. The mountain range of Agrafa grasps the landscape with its high mountains and impressive ravines that run through rivers and rushing streams. Scattered Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments, hiking trails, excellent local cuisine and many activities complete the natural richness of the area. Most infrastructure is concentrated on the western shores of the lake, from Neochori to Kalyvia Pezoulas. Here you can find many cafes and restaurants, hostels and hotels, perched on the slopes along the banks, offering panoramic views of the lake. Places often impressive, full of warmth — sometimes with a luxurious atmosphere that composes baroque influences. Archery along the coast, boating, canoeing and lake cycling can be found in two of the three organized beaches, those of Pezoulas and Neochori, making creative use your time in the area.

Prespes
At the geophysical boundaries of the prefecture of Florina, in the hospitable embrace of the surrounding mountainous volumes, there is a magical world of incomparable natural beauty created by the melting of glaciers and the sequence of seismic phenomena, the world of Megali and Mikri Prespa. The charm of the twin lakes is particularly striking, as their water surfaces reflect the wooded slopes of the surrounding mountains and the unique natural landscape. The invaluable value of nature, cloudy landscapes, the sun in snowy mountain peaks, beech forests, reeds, 260 species of birds, 23 species of fish and 1,300 species of plants, pelicans, archaeologically interesting historical monuments, pastures, bean cultivation and the mosaic of civilizations make the area of Prespes a wetland of international interest. Do not miss the chance to cross the floating bridge that leads to the island of Agios Achilleios in Mikri Prespa in order to admire the ruins of the homonymous three-aisled royal church dating back to the 10th century AD.

Lake of Kastoria
A great variety of natural beauty, Lake Orestiada of Kastoria has the leading role in enchanting visitors with its indescribable beauty. It is estimated that it was formed 10,000,000 years ago and its present form is the remnant of an older lake that stretched to 164 square kilometres. The birdlife, with more than 200 species, many of which are rare and threatened, will astound you. Swans, silversmiths, herons, cormorants, wild goats find shelter in the dense forests. When the sun starts to set, cyclists and romantic walkers are looking for peace and soul exaltation on a quiet walk, amidst the giant copper-plated plane trees that surround the area. The lake of Kastoria is suitable for water sports, such as rowing, sailing, water skiing, fishing or boating.

Sea Lake in Mesolongi
While only the beautiful scenery of the lagoon should be enough to calm your soul, Mesolongi goes further; this place travels you through its history with its arts, poets and museums. There, you will learn more about the life of the fishermen, discover fine tastes and enjoy watching the hundreds of rare migratory birds. There are boats in the scattered islands and endless cyclists around the lake. It would be an even greater delight if you experience the feast of Ai-Symius under the marvellous sky of the area, while in the company of its exuberant inhabitants. More than 280 species of aquatic birds are hosted in the wider lagoon area, the second largest in Europe. Here is probably the best place in Greece to see many rare species of aquatic birds easily. At the beach of Agia Triada, natural healing springs, rich in metallic elements, offer spa and beneficial mud baths.

Lake Trichonida
Magnificent, magical and unexplored — a creation of great geological redevelopments — spreads its blue expanse in the heart of the Aetolian Field. It is the largest lake in Greece and is a major wetland with enormous aesthetic, ecological and fishing value. More than 200 species of birds have been observed around this lake, while about 50 belong to threatened and protected groups. Trichonida is one of the country’s most important lakes for freshwater fish. It has many endemic species of Greece and Etoloakarnania. It is the only lake in which the smelt fish has adapted to non-salty water. It is caught and served as the most delicious dish in Trichonida.

Dragon Lake Tymfi
An ascent to the Dragon Lake (or Dracolimni) of Tymfi is — not unfairly — one of the most talked about mountaineering destinations. The mountain, 6th in altitude in the ranking of the Greek mountains, with a higher peak in Gamila (2,496 m), is ideal for adventure and exploration of rare terrestrial but also underground expeditions. The gorge of Vikos, which overcomes in many places the 1,000 m. depth, and the abyss of Provanina at the top of Astraka, with its impressive one-dimensional depth that reaches 400 m, are considered unique in the world. The bird fauna of the area consists of rare predators but also of small birds that live around the tall peaks.

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